Contents
Some words are pleasant for us to pronounce, while others cause inexplicable rejection. In the leading positions — the word «eat». What is the reason? In an unpleasant combination of sounds, obsequious intonation, or is this word just unlucky? Several opinions, including the editor-in-chief of the Gramota.ru portal.
Users of the Yandex Q portal discussed why many of us dislike the word “eat” so much. Most of them agreed that the word has a long «lackey» train, which has been fixed in classical literature. Why are we trying so hard to avoid it now?
«Subtle Courtesy»
Vladimir Pakhomov, editor-in-chief of the Gramota.ru portal
“The dislike for the word“ eat ”, apparently, is due to the fact that in former times it was used colloquially with a touch of obsequious politeness (in relation to gentlemen, high persons). This word also had one more meaning, in addition to “eat”, this is the meaning of “drink tea, coffee, wine” (again — with a touch of politeness, reverence, servility).
An example of such usage is in Pushkin’s «Eugene Onegin»: «This is a master’s office; Here he rested, ate coffee, listened to the Bailiff’s reports ”(the maid says these words). There is also a stable formula for the courteous report of a servant, lackey: «Dinner is served.»
There is nothing “nasty” or “shameful” in the word “eat” itself; it is normally used when politely inviting people to eat, when talking with children. But it is not recommended to use the word “eat” in the first person in literary speech: the history of this word, its “servant” obsequious use in relation to gentlemen, affects.
“This word“ infuriated ”would be much less if it didn’t get, to its misfortune, into“ bad ”words”
And one more important factor: the word “eat” was not lucky, it fell into that narrow circle of words that are remembered every time when they talk about common mistakes in speech. If you make a mistake in these words, you will immediately be accused of illiteracy, if you make a mistake in dozens of others that are not mentioned, no one will notice.
You have probably heard these endless conversations that the word “eat” is disgusting, that “black coffee” is a spoilage of the language, and “ringing” is generally inhuman horror. At the same time, from the point of view of the language, “drilling”, for example, is the same mistake as “calling” (correctly: “drilling”), but, having heard “drilling”, it is unlikely that anyone will grimacing indicatively.
So it is with the word “eat”: it would “enrage” much less if it didn’t get, to its misfortune, into “bad” words (learn these words and remember that they cannot be pronounced).
«Sounds pompous»
Elena Felgenhauer, philosopher
“Even at an early age, I learned that “eat” is a very difficult verb. It is used either in a conversation with children, or when they want to emphasize the status of a person and special respect for her. Like grandfather Krylov in Demyanova’s Ear: “Neighbour, my light! Please take a bite!”
«Eat» is still perceived by native speakers as a stylistic roughness or mistake»
Nearby are the verbs “taste” — try something unearthly, “eat” — treat yourself. In everyday life, this sounds pompous. Therefore, it is sometimes used in an ironic context: «I ate yesterday.» It is clear that we are talking about alcohol abuse.
«arrogant expression»
Anna Gracheva, philologist
“This word irritated even Korney Chukovsky! And if until now (almost a hundred years have passed) it is perceived by native speakers as a stylistic roughness or mistake, then the status of this word is unlikely to change and its use (in relation to oneself) will be considered the norm.
“The arrogant expression “I eat” really jarred me. In my time, it was a courteous form with which a person addressed not himself, but to others. «Please eat!» If he said about himself: «I’m eating» — it felt like a funny self-importance.